THE much maligned SARS comes under fire regularly, but there has been a noticeable change in the way the local office is run.
There is efficiency and attention to detail which we have learnt over the years, not to expect!
Last week I was contacted about a patient of mine who had had a bad turn while there. She was immediately helped into the car of the supervisor and brought personally up to my rooms. The next day they telephoned to enquire about her well-being.
I am not sure if the shock of paying too much tax was the problem for the patient, but it was an impressive show of compassion from a hitherto unexpected quarter!
In the same week I had to deal with the Department of Home Affairs - a chore I was dreading.
Despite my huge reservations and initial resistance, I was won over by the courtesy and efficiency of all concerned - instead of being there the whole morning, I emerged, rather dazed, a mere hour and a half later.
It was an extra bonus to see how the office is equipped with up to date technology to capture data.
Well done to both departments! I will pay tax with less grumbling in future.
Dr Shelley Hellig
